FBI: 'Einstein Bandit' suspected in 7 bank robberies

October 07, 2009

Authorities were searching for a robber who held up seven Chicago or suburban banks since August 2007, the FBI announced today.

Given the moniker of the "Einstein Bandit" due to the distinctive "E=mc2" mathematical formula that was on both the suspect's cap and jacket worn during several of the robberies, the most recent hold up happened Aug 14 of this year at the Bank of America branch, 1585 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago, according to the FBI.

As he has done in previous incidents, they said, the robber entered the bank and approached a teller, handed over a note announcing the robbery and threatened her with harm. The robber then placed a bag on the counter, instructed her to fill it with cash and to not place any security devices into the bag.

The robber fled the bank on foot after receiving an undisclosed amount of money, disappearing into a passing crowd, the FBI said.

During the heists, the FBI added, the robber would be armed with a black, semiautomatic handgun.

In addition to the clothing description, the robber has been described by witnesses as African-American, 40 to 50, 6 feet to 6 feet 2 and has a heavy build, the FBI said. The cap he wore was dark-colored, and he was also wearing sunglasses and dark gloves.